Chris Sutton hits out at ‘desperate’ fans amid Celtic vs Rangers fallout over Alistair Johnston

Chris Sutton continues to rub salt into Rangers wounds after Alistair Johnston stayed on the pitch during the defeat to Celtic.

In the 39th minute, the 27-year-old right-back saw his name taken by referee Nick Walsh following a rough challenge on Mikey Moore, one which left the winger in a lot of pain.

Away supporters were absolutely furious that the Hoops’ No.2 wasn’t sent off on Sunday, 10 May, and the fallout only continues after Martin O’Neill’s side claimed a 3-1 win at Celtic Park.

Daizen Maeda scored twice in four second-half minutes, the latter being a Goal of the Season contender, but Gers fans can’t help but think what could have been had their opposition been sent down to 10 men.

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Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Keith Hackett was certain that Johnston deserved to see red for his first-half challenge, actually being baffled after reviewing the footage.

The incident was also re-analysed on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, and after claims that VAR didn’t have all views available to them until half-time, it was clarified that exactly the opposite was true.

Taking to X (12 May) after Sky Sports confirmed that all angles were in fact available, Sutton wrote, “Much ado about nothing… The desperate have to get enraged about something…”

Much ado about nothing… the desperate have to get enraged about something… https://t.co/W2rdyeachQ

It is impossible to know how much of a turning point this moment was in the grand scheme of the Old Firm derby, but the Gers will feel that a red card would have ended in a positive away result.

Walsh was under pressure from both sets of supporters, and the first of his mistakes might have been allowing Hyun-Jun Yang’s equaliser to stand in the 23rd minute.

It could be argued that Benjamin Nygren was impeding Jack Butland’s view when the shot was taken, and given that he was in an offside position, it is another moment that Rangers will feel let down by.

The referee also became very card-happy in the final 15 minutes, with five players going into his notebook, including Celtic hero Maeda for a challenge on Djeidi Gassama.

While there is no disagreement that it was a foul by the Japan international, a yellow card was extremely harsh, and one that could have been easily avoided at Celtic Park.

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